Irfan Bachdim backs Japan for a deep 2026 World Cup run
Bachdim said Japan’s improved development pipeline could push the team beyond its best finish of the round of 16.
Former Indonesia national team player Irfan Bachdim is backing Japan to go far at the 2026 World Cup. At the opening of the adidas Home of Football store at Pondok Indah Mall 3 in South Jakarta on Friday, he said Japanese football has advanced rapidly because of reforms to its structure and youth development. Bachdim, who played for Ventforet Kofu and Consadole Sapporo, said Japan now has many players performing well in leagues around the world. Japan will play in its eighth World Cup since its debut in 1998 and is in Group F with Belanda, Swedia, and Tunisia. The Samurai Biru’s best result so far is reaching the round of 16. On the same occasion, Persija Jakarta player Arlyansyah Abdulmanan picked Argentina as the favorite to win the title because of Lionel Messi.